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480 Réis - João IV Countermark 'Crowned 480' over Spain-America 8 Reales
| Issuer | Kingdom of Portugal |
|---|---|
| Year | 1643 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Mintage | ND (1643) - Gomes# J4 117.01 - Over `Pataca` - ND (1643) - Gomes# J4 117.02 - Over Cruzado João IV (Error) - |
| Additional information |
In 1643, the Portuguese crown faced a chronic shortage of large silver denominations following the 1640 restoration of independence from Spain. Rather than strike new coinage outright — the mints lacked the capacity — João IV ordered that circulating Spanish colonial 8 reales be countermarked and revalued at 480 réis for legal tender in Portugal. The host coins were typically cob-struck pieces from Mexico City, Potosí, or Lima, meaning the planchet quality beneath the punch varies enormously.
The countermark itself is the authentication; the host coin's origin is incidental.